Terms that decide this screen
These are the exact keywords ATS systems extract from physical therapist job descriptions. Miss them and you are filtered out before a recruiter sees your name.
How to structure your skills section
Group them the way a parser reads them — one labelled line per category, plain commas, no tables.
5 resume mistakes that get physical therapists filtered out
The patterns we see most often on physical therapist resumes that fail ATS screening — each with the edit that fixes it.
Listing certifications without expiration dates
Include expiration: "CPR Certification (valid through 2026)" to show current qualifications.
Vague descriptions of patient outcomes
Quantify outcomes: "Improved patient mobility by 30% within 3 months through customized exercise programs."
Omitting specific patient demographics
Specify demographics: "Specialized in geriatric rehabilitation, enhancing quality of life for patients aged 65 and older."
Lack of technology use in daily practice
Mention tech tools: "Utilized physical therapy software to track patient progress and adjust treatment plans."
Ignoring the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration
Highlight teamwork: "Collaborated with occupational therapists and physicians to develop comprehensive patient care plans."
Who is hiring physical therapists
These companies are actively hiring, and their ATS systems are the ones your resume has to pass.
Paste a real Physical Therapist posting and see your score
HireRaft gives you a keyword match score, names what is missing, and rewrites the bullets to pass — in about 27 seconds. Free, no card.
Physical Therapist resume — frequently asked questions
What is the ideal length for a physical therapist resume?
For physical therapists, a 1-2 page resume is ideal. Ensure all relevant certifications and experiences are included concisely to pass ATS checks.
How can I demonstrate impact without specific metrics?
Use qualitative improvements: "Enhanced patient satisfaction through personalized care plans" or "Facilitated faster recovery times through innovative therapy techniques."
Should I include volunteer experience in my resume?
Yes, especially if it relates to physical therapy. Highlight roles like "Provided pro bono physical therapy services at community health fairs," which can demonstrate commitment to the field.
How important is it to list continuing education?
Very important. Include courses like "Completed advanced manual therapy workshop in 2023" to show ongoing professional development.
What software skills should I highlight?
List any physical therapy-specific software you use, such as "Proficient in WebPT and TheraOffice for patient management and documentation."
Ready to pass the ATS?
Join the physical therapists using HireRaft to get past the filter and in front of recruiters.
Optimize my resume free2 free optimizations per month · No credit card